Writing Assignments -Students will select a topic, from the list below, on which to write a brief research paper over. If you have another topic that is of interest to you (related to policing) then you may do that instead, but you will need to have the topic approved prior to the paper being completed and turned in.
The paper will be graded on overall correct grammar usage, spelling, punctuation, content, and proper use of APA style writing and citation format, for a total of 50 points possible each.
You do need to have an abstract for the paper as well. Papers turned in late will be docked one letter grade per day they are late (past the due date).
You must follow APA format for your paper, failure to do so will result in an “F” for a grade. You can find APA format information here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/. You can also contact the writing and math center at Cunningham Memorial Library (812-237-2578) for assistance on your papers as well.
Papers must have a cover page, reference page and be 3-5 pages in length for the body portion of the paper. Students will need to follow APA citation standards for their papers, which includes in text citations, running head, and page numbers and so on (follow APA format). You will also need six (6) separate references and Wikipedia may not be used for one of them. Three of your references must be scholarly. You can use our text book as a reference though.
Papers turned in without a reference page and/or references not cited in the text of the paper will receive zero points and a letter grade of “F” for plagiarism. Papers will be typed, double spaced.
Use the resources available to you: Librarian Karen Evans, The writing center, or one of our graduate assistant can help you with areas you may have trouble with on your paper. Do not wait until the last minute to work on your paper.
Papers must be a minimum of 3 full pages, and up to 5 pages long, this does not include title page, abstract or reference page.
Papers will be turned in via blackboard/turnitin.
Topics that you can choose from are:
1. The implications/issues of the collection of DNA samples at the point of arrest, not at post-conviction or post release from prison. Is it different then collecting or taking of finger prints? What has the Supreme Court said in regards to this matter? Are states really doing this now or are there reasons they don’t or can’t do this. What about security of the information, what could happen if this information was released publicly. What other concerns are there about taking DNA in this manner?
2. The implications/issues of the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)/Drones by police departments or other federal agencies in the United States. Should this be allowed, is there a reason is shouldn’t be? What kind of constitutional issues does this bring up? What kind of safety issues are there, if any? Should warrants have to be issued if this technology is used? What other issues does this topic bring up that should be discussed before implementation?
3. The impact of police corruption on police departments and society. What does this do internally to a police department and how does this impact citizens and their views of policing agencies? Give examples of specific corruption from a police department and what happened in the aftermath of that corruption. How does it or can it impact new recruits and their loyalty to the department and other officers? What can or has happened to those who fight back against corruption? Is there any kind of reform to handle or deal with corruption in a police department, why do officers become corrupt? What other outcomes does corruption have on a police department?
4. The issues/issues related to the use of “non-lethal” or “less than lethal” force by police departments on civilians. From the use of Tasers, to bean bag rounds, or rubber bullets, and any other method being designed or utilized. Do officers rely on less than lethal force more now than they use to? What can happen if less than lethal is used incorrectly, what are the safety issues associated with this issue and weapons that are employed by police departments. Does this actually work; does this help stop the perpetrators from their actions? Has this brought about any racial issues with officers using Tasers if so explain? What other issues does this create or pose for our field? This may also include issues surrounding officer discretion.
5. The issues related to the use of “body cameras” worn by police officers. What role and impact does this have or can this have on the police officers who use them and well as the impact of public interaction. Does this help tell or show the story of an event or officer interaction with a civilian or does this bring up more questions as to the officers’ actions? Can this or does this help reduce officer misconduct or false allegations against officers by civilians. What other issues does this or can this bring up or create, how well is it working in the field, how many police agencies are there using this technology? Any other issues this may have in our field? (You may also include police car dash cameras too).
As you can see these topics are very broad based and should be easy to cover in a small paper such as this. If at any time you have questions about the paper please let me know. Be sure this is done in APA format though. You will need an abstract too for your paper.

Get a 5 % discount on an order above $ 100
Use the following coupon code : EHUSA